Endometriosis can be defined as the condition that the intrauterine membrane lining the uterus, called as “Endometrium“, and breaking out along with menstrual period, thereby leading to menstrual bleeding, grows and advances in the direction of fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvis.
Intrauterine membrane, which grows out of the uterus, continues to function in menstrual cycles even if it develops towards different regions; but, its tissues also break down and cause bleeding. However, unlike in the uterus, there is not any area to drain blood when bleeding occurs, so blood builds up and usually leads to the formation of cysts in the ovaries, which are defined as “chocolate cyst” and which may be the cause of female infertility.
Why Does Endometriosis Occur?
The exact causes of the development of chocolate cyst are not yet known. Some experts believe that menstrual blood containing endometrial cells pass through the fallopian tubes and reach into the pelvic cavity when the cells adhere to the organs. (Retrograde menstruation) According to some experts, genetic factors also pose a risk for endometriosis. Apart from these factors, it is accepted that environmental factors and eating habits may also lead to the formation of chocolate cyst in women during the reproductive period.
What Are the Symptoms of Chocolate Cyst?
Every woman with chocolate cyst may not have symptoms. However, the chocolate cyst symptoms and their severity may vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of endometriosis can be listed as follows:
- Severe abdominal pain during menstruation
- Menstrual cramps
- Pain in the urine or bowel movements, especially during menstruation
- Severe bleeding during menstrual periods
- Female infertility
- Painful sexual intercourse
How Is Chocolate Cyst Diagnosed?
Obstetrician and Gynecologist should examine women who have a poor quality of life or cannot become pregnant due to the symptoms of chocolate cyst. In addition to gynecological examination, diagnostic methods such as pelvic examination, ultrasound imaging, MRI, laparoscopy and biopsy can be applied to diagnose endometriosis.
How Is Chocolate Cyst Treated?
There is no certain treatment for chocolate cyst. The main purpose of surgery, medication and follow-up treatments is to reduce and manage the complaints caused by chocolate cysts, to enhance the comfort of the patient and to increase the pregnancy chance of women, which have been prevented due to chocolate cysts.
Endometriosis treatment depends on the symptoms of the woman, the severity of the symptoms, age, general health and whether she wants to have a baby in the future. Therefore, follow-up treatment, painkillers, hormone therapy and laparoscopy and surgical removal of cyst capsules can be preferred. Hysterectomy is also one of the surgical alternatives for women who have no children in the future year.
We, as KADOMER, plan our treatment processes that will increase your quality of life by considering your expectations and general health.